Golf shoe sole with a one-way rotation tread pattern

ABSTRACT

A golf shoe sole with a pattern configured for one-way rotation includes a pattern with a rotation point pattern. The rotation point pattern includes a center point tread, whereby the golf shoe sole is configured to rotate about the center point tread of the rotation point pattern. The pattern can also include one or more one-way rotation patterns. Each of the one-way rotation patterns include a plurality of one-way guide blades.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

None

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

None

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Technical Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure generally relates to shoes and soles for shoes. Morespecifically, the disclosure relates to a golf shoe sole with a one-wayrotation tread pattern.

2. Description of the Related Art

A proper golf swing requires the golfer to rotate his/her hips firstaway from the intended target area and then reverse the rotation towardthe target area during the swing. It should be readily understood thatthe more stable the front foot is anchored and the smoother or morefluent this rotation and transition movements occur, the better the golfswing, i.e. more power, more consistency, reduction in injuries, thelike, etc. As such, ideally, a golfer will keep the front or lead footanchored during the turn or rotation away from the target. In addition,it is commonly taught to maintain the front or lead foot anchored duringthe turn towards the target, during contact, and through the rotationtowards the target, or follow through of the swing.

The instant disclosure recognizes that it is desired to maintain oranchor the front foot anchored during the back swing for consistency.However, the instant disclosure contemplates that a lot of golfers havea hard time transitioning through the follow through of the swing, orfinishing, while his/her golf spikes are anchored to the ground and notallowed to rotate. For example, many golfers front ankle is not flexibleenough to allow a fluent finish. Thus, it has been discovered that,while maintaining the anchoring in the swing for consistency, it may bedesired to allow a golfer to rotate the front foot after contact, andthrough the follow through of the swing.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a recognizable unmetneed for a golf shoe sole that provides a one-way rotation treadpattern.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, in a possibly preferred embodiment, the presentapparatus overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets therecognized need for such a device by providing a golf shoe sole with apattern configured for one-way rotation. The golf shoe sole with theone-way rotation pattern may be designed to keep the front foot anchoredduring the swing, while allowing the front foot to rotate after contactduring the follow through.

The present apparatus and method includes the pattern having a rotationpoint pattern. The rotation point pattern may include a center pointtread, whereby the golf shoe sole may be configured to rotate about thecenter point tread of the rotation point pattern.

One feature may be that the center point tread may include asubstantially conical shaped top.

Another feature may be that the center point tread may include arotatable center point cleat. In select embodiments, the rotatablecenter point cleat may be rotatable by a ball bearing socket. In otherselect embodiments, the center point cleat may be a commonly known softspike.

Another feature may be that the rotation point pattern may include atleast one ring tread around the center point tread. In selectembodiments, the rotation point pattern may include two or more ringtreads equally spaced around the center point tread. In selectembodiments, the ring treads may have a substantially V-shaped top.

Another feature may be that the center point tread may have a centerheight that may be approximately equal to the ring height of the ringtreads.

In select embodiments, the pattern configured for one way rotation mayinclude one or more one-way rotation patterns. The one-way rotationpattern may include a plurality of one-way guide blades. In selectembodiments, the one-way guide blades may have a radius of curvatureapproximately equal to the distance from the center of the rotationpoint pattern.

One feature of the one-way guide blades may be the inclusion of a slideend configured to allow rotation and a stop end configured to restrictrotation. In select embodiments, the slide end may include a rounded orangled portion and the stop end may include a blunt or sharp portion. Inother select embodiments, each of the one-way guide blades may include asubstantially V-shaped top portion.

One feature may be that the one-way rotation patterns may include aplurality of rows of the one-way guide blades, where each of the one-wayguide blades from one row are offset from each of the one-way guideblades of adjoining rows. In select embodiments, each of the rows ofone-way guide blades may include at least two one-way guide blades.

One feature of the one-way rotation tread pattern may be the inclusionin the one-way rotation patterns of a counter rotate spike. In selectvarious embodiments, the counter rotate spike may be positioned off ofthe inner toe portion, may have a substantially square or trapezoidalcross-section, and/or may have a height being shorter than the one-wayguide blades. The counter rotate spike may be configured to givetraction extension during the counter rotate portion of the swing,provide traction when walking, the like, and/or combinations thereof.

The golf shoe sole with a one-way rotation tread pattern of the instantdisclosure may include a heel portion, a front portion, and a centerportion.

In select embodiments, the shoe sole pattern may have a rotation pointpattern in the heel portion, and a one-way rotation pattern in the frontportion. In these embodiments, the golf shoe sole may be for the frontshoe of the golfer, whereby the front shoe may rotate in one directionabout the heel portion.

In other select embodiments, the shoe sole pattern may have a rotationpoint pattern in the front portion, and a one-way rotation pattern inthe heel portion. In these embodiments, the golf shoe sole may be forthe front shoe of the golfer, whereby the front shoe may rotate in onedirection about the front portion. For example, the golfer's heel mayrotate around the front mounted cone spike.

In yet other select embodiments, the shoe sole pattern may have arotation point pattern in the center portion, a first one-way rotationpattern in the heel portion, and a second one-way rotation pattern inthe front portion. In these embodiments, the golf shoe sole may be forthe front shoe of a golfer, whereby the front shoe may rotate in onedirection about the center portion.

Another feature may be that the golf shoe sole may be convex.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present golf shoe sole with a one-way rotation tread pattern will bebetter understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference tothe accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, andin which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer tolike elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the golfshoe sole with the one-way rotation tread pattern on a golf shoe withthe rotation point pattern in the heel portion and the one-way rotationpattern in the front portion;

FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment from FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment from FIG. 1Ashowing the one-way rotation of the shoe about the rotation pointpattern in the heel portion of the shoe;

FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe golf shoe sole with the one-way rotation tread pattern with therotation point pattern in the front portion and the one-way rotationpattern in the heel portion;

FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment from FIG. 3Ashowing the one-way rotation of the shoe about the rotation pointpattern in the front portion of the shoe;

FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe golf shoe sole with the one-way rotation tread pattern with therotation point pattern in the center portion and one-way rotationpatterns in the heel and front portions;

FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment from FIG. 4Ashowing the one-way rotation of the shoe about the rotation pointpattern in the center portion of the shoe;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of one of theone-way guide blades;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the one-way guide blade from FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of one of the one-wayguide blades;

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the one-way guide blade from FIG.5C taken from the cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 5C;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of one of the one-wayguide blades with a curved outer edge and a sharp inner edge;

FIG. 7 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the one-wayguide blade with an angled outer edge and a blunt inner edge;

FIG. 8A is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the rotation pointpattern with the center point tread;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the rotation point pattern fromFIG. 8A taken from the cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the rotation pointpattern with the rotatable center point cleat;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the rotation point pattern fromFIG. 9A taken from the cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 9A; and

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of thegolf shoe sole with the one-way rotation tread pattern with the rotationpoint pattern in the heel portion and the one-way rotation pattern inthe front portion including the counter rotation spike off of the innertoe portion of the sole.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely forthe purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neitherdesired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exactdetails of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemedessential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, asillustrated in FIGS. 1-10, specific terminology is employed for the sakeof clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to belimited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to beunderstood that each specific element includes all technical equivalentsthat operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments setforth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples,and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-10 by way of example, and not limitation,therein is illustrated example embodiments of sole 100 with pattern 102configured for one-way rotation 174 on golf shoe 158. Although sole 100is shown on a golf shoe, the disclosure is not so limited, and may beutilized on any type of shoe desiring sole 100 with pattern 102configured for one-way rotation 174. In addition, sole 100 with pattern102 configured for one-way rotation 174 may be configured in anydirection (rotation toward the inner or outer portion of the shoe)and/or on either shoe, left or right. For example, sole 100 may be usedas desired for the front shoe (left foot for a right hand golfer andright foot for a left hand golfer) and/or the back shoe (right foot fora right hand golfer and left foot for a left hand golfer). For thespecific example shown in FIG. 1, and clearly not limited thereto, sole100 with pattern 102 configured for one-way rotation 174 may be used forthe right shoe 158, where one-way rotation 174 may be toward the outerportion of shoe 158.

Pattern 102 may be included on sole 100 and may be configured forone-way rotation 174. See FIGS. 1-4 and 10. Pattern 102 may include anyshape and/or material for providing one-way rotation to shoe 158 viasole 100. For example, pattern 102 may be made from any rubbers,plastics, or like materials commonly known and used for shoe soles. Inselect embodiments, pattern 102 may have rotation point pattern 104, andone or more one-way rotation patterns 106. In combination, rotationpoint pattern 104 and the one or more one-way rotation patterns 106 mayallow shoe 158 to rotate about rotation point pattern 104 in one-wayrotation 174.

Rotation point pattern 104 may be included in pattern 102 of golf shoesole 100. See FIGS. 1-4 and 8-10. Rotation point pattern 104 may be forproviding a rotation point for one-way rotation 174 on golf shoe 158 viasole 100. Rotation point pattern 104 may include any pattern forproviding such a rotation point in sole 100.

In select embodiments, rotation point pattern 104 may include centerpoint tread 108. See FIGS. 1-4, 8 and 10 (best shown in FIGS. 8A and8B). Center point tread 108 may be for providing a center point forrotation, whereby golf shoe sole 100 may be configured to rotate aboutcenter point tread 108 of rotation point pattern 104. In selectembodiments, center point tread 108 may include substantially conicalshaped top 110. As examples, substantially conical shaped top 110 mayhave a conical shape, or it may have a substantially conical shape witha squared off (as shown in FIG. 8B), or rounded top.

In other select embodiments, rotation point pattern 104 may includerotatable center point cleat 112. See FIGS. 9A and 9B. Rotatable centerpoint cleat 112 may be for providing a center point for rotation,whereby golf shoe sole 100 may be configured to rotate about rotatablecenter point cleat 112 of rotation point pattern 104. Rotatable centerpoint cleat 112 may be rotatable by any means. In select embodiments,rotatable center point cleat 112 may be rotatable by a ball bearingsocket 114 (similar to a skateboard wheel). Center point cleat 112 maybe any device or cleat rotatable in the center of rotation point pattern104. In select embodiments, center point cleat 112 may be a standardgolf spike, like soft spike 116 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

At least one ring tread 118 may be included in rotation point pattern104 around center point tread 108. See FIGS. 1-4, and 8-10. Each ringtread 118 may be for providing additional rotation treads around centerpoint tread 108. Rotation point pattern 104 may include any desirednumber of ring treads 118. As shown in the figures, in selectembodiments, rotation point pattern 104 may include two or more ringtreads 118 equally spaced around center point tread 108. Ring treads 118may have a V-shaped top 120 (see FIGS. 8B and 9B), or a substantiallyV-shaped top.

Center point tread 108, or the cone spike, may have center height 122and ring treads 118, or the circle blades, may have ring height 124. SeeFIGS. 8B and 9B. Center height 122 and ring height 124 may be anydesired height for providing the rotation point in rotation pointpattern 104. In select embodiments, center height 122 of center pointtread 108 may be approximately equal to ring height 124 of the ringtreads 118. This feature may allow for the necessary traction androtation about center point tread 108 in rotation point pattern 104.

One-way guide blades 126 may be included in one-way rotation pattern106. See FIGS. 1-7 and 10. One-way guide blades 126 may be for allowingor aiding in one-way rotation 174 about one-way rotation point pattern106 on sole 100. One-way guide blades 126 may have radius of curvature128 based on distance 130 from the center of rotation point pattern 104,i.e. the center of center point tread 108. Radius of curvature 128 beingbased on distance 130 from the center of rotation point pattern 104 mayprovide for the least amount of resistance for one-way rotation 174about rotation point pattern 104 and may thus aid or allow one-wayrotation 174 about rotation point pattern 104 on sole 100.

Each one-way guide blade 126 may have slide end 132 and stop end 134.See FIGS. 2-4, 5A, 5C, and 6-7. Slide end 132 may be configured to allowrotation in the direction of one-way rotation 174. Stop end 134 may beconfigured to restrict rotation in the opposite direction of one-wayrotation 174. As such, in combination, slide end 132 and stop end 134 ofeach one-way guide blade 126 may be configured for allowing or aidingone-way rotation 174 about rotation point pattern 104. For example, asshown in the figures with one-way rotation 174 toward the outer side ofshoe 158, slide end 132 may refer to the outer portion of each one-wayguide blade 126, or the portion towards the outside of the shoe or footof each one-way guide blade 126. Likewise, stop end 134 may refer to theinner portion of each guide blade 126, or the portion towards the insideof the shoe or foot of each one-way guide blade 126. However, asdiscussed above, the disclosure is not so limited and if desired slideend 132 and stop end 134 may be reversed to provide one-way rotation 174in the opposite direction, or towards the inside of shoe 158. In selectembodiments, slide end 132 may be configured with rounded (see FIG. 6)or angled (see FIG. 7) portion 136 and stop end 134 may be configuredwith blunt (see FIG. 7) or sharp (see FIG. 6) portion 138. Rounded orangled portion 136 may be designed to allow for movement in one-waydirection 174, while blunt or sharp portion 138 may be designed toresist movement opposite of one-way direction 174. Each one-way guideblade 126 may include substantially V-shaped top portion 140.Substantially V-shaped top portion 140 may include squared off V-shapedtop 140, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5B, and/or pointedV-shaped top 140, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5D, orother similar substantially V-shaped tops.

One-way rotation pattern 106 may include a plurality of rows 142 ofone-way guide blades 126. See FIGS. 1-4, and 10. Rows 142 may be anydesired number of rows and may contain any desired number of one-wayguide blades 126 in each row. In select embodiments, as shown in thefigures, each of the one-way guide blades 126 from one row 142 may beoffset from each of the one-way guide blades 126 of adjoining rows 142.In other select embodiments, each of rows 142 of one-way guide blades126 may include at least two one-way guide blades 126, as shown in thefigures. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, sole 100 may include 7 rows142 of one-way guide blades 126 in front portion 154, with each row 142including at least 2 one-way guide blades 126. As another example, asshown in FIG. 3A, sole 100 may include 4 rows 142 of one-way guideblades 126 in heel portion 152, with each row 142 including at least 2one-way guide blades 126. As yet another example, as shown in FIG. 4A,sole 100 may include five (5) rows of one-way guide blades 126 in frontportion 154 and four (4) rows 142 of one-way guide blades 126 in heelportion 152, with each row 142 including at least two (2) one-way guideblades 126. Each row 142 may be designed to maintain radius of curvature128 in adjacent one-way guide blades 126.

An optional counter rotate spike 144 may be included in selectembodiments of one-way rotation pattern 106. See FIG. 10. Counter rotatespike 144 may be for giving traction extension during the counter rotateportion of the swing. Counter rotate spike 144 may also help in walking.Counter rotate spike may be positioned in any desired location forgiving traction extension during the counter rotate portion of the swingand/or for helping in walking. In select embodiments, counter rotatespike 144 may be positioned off of inner toe portion 146. Counter rotatespike may have any desired shape or size for giving traction extensionduring the counter rotate portion of the swing and/or walking. In selectembodiments, counter rotate spike 144 may have a substantially square ortrapezoidal cross-section 148. As an example, for golf purposes, counterrotate spike 144 may be configured to give traction extension during thecounter rotate portion of the swing, work as a break at the end of therotation, provide traction when walking, the like, and/or combinationsthereof.

Golf shoe sole 100 with one-way rotation tread pattern 102 may includeheel portion 152, front portion 154, and center portion 156. See FIGS.2-4 and 10. In select embodiments, as shown in the figures, heel portion152 may be raised.

The instant disclosure recognizes that not all golfers and swings arealike. Namely, not all golfers anchor and rotate about the same positionon their front foot. As such, golf shoe sole 100 may be designed withrotation point pattern 104 in any desired position on sole 100,including, but not limited to, heel portion 152, front portion 154and/or center portion 156. Correspondingly, one-way rotation pattern 106may be accordingly positioned in opposing parts on sole 100 for aidingand allowing one-way rotation 174 about rotation point pattern 104.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, in select embodiments, shoe solepattern 102 may have rotation point pattern 104 in heel portion 152, andone-way rotation pattern 106 in front portion 154. In these embodiments,as an example, golf shoe sole 100 may be for front shoe 158 of thegolfer, whereby front shoe 158 may rotate in one-way direction 174 aboutheel portion 152, as shown in FIG. 2B.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in other select embodiments, shoe solepattern 102 may have rotation point pattern 104 in front portion 154,and one-way rotation pattern 106 in heel portion 152. In theseembodiments, as an example golf shoe sole 100 may be for front shoe 158of the golfer, whereby front shoe 158 may rotate in one-way direction174 about front portion 154, as shown in FIG. 3B.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in yet other select embodiments, shoe solepattern 102 may have rotation point pattern 104 in center portion 156,first one-way rotation pattern 106 in heel portion 152, and a secondone-way rotation pattern 106 in front portion 154. In these embodiments,as an example golf shoe sole 100 may be for front shoe 158 of a golfer,whereby front shoe 158 may rotate in one-way direction 174 about centerportion 156.

Another feature may be that golf shoe sole 100 may be convex 172. Convex172 may refer to the bottom of sole 100 being slightly rounded to aid inone-way rotation 174 via one-way guide blades 126.

As shown in the figures, the instant disclosure contemplates golf shoe158 including any of the various embodiments of sole 100 with pattern102 configured for one-way rotation 174.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrativeembodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should benoted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures areexemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, andmodifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure.Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain orderdoes not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of thatmethod. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind toone skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having thebenefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is notlimited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limitedonly by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe sole with a pattern configured for one-wayrotation comprising: the pattern having: a rotation point pattern. 2.The shoe sole of claim 1, wherein said rotation point pattern includinga center point tread, whereby the shoe sole is configured to rotateabout said center point tread of the rotation point pattern.
 3. The shoesole of claim 2, wherein said center point tread including asubstantially conical shaped top.
 4. The shoe sole of claim 2, whereinsaid center point tread including a rotatable center point cleat.
 5. Theshoe sole of claim 4, wherein said rotatable center point cleat isrotatable by a ball bearing socket and said center point cleat is a softspike.
 6. The shoe sole of claim 2, wherein said rotation point patternincluding at least one ring tread around said center point tread.
 7. Theshoe sole of claim 6, wherein: said rotation point pattern including tworing treads equally spaced around said center point tread; each of saidring treads having a V-shaped top; and said center point tread having acenter height being approximately equal to a ring height of said ringtreads.
 8. The shoe sole of claim 1, wherein said pattern furthercomprising: one or more one-way rotation patterns.
 9. The shoe sole ofclaim 8, wherein each of said one-way rotation patterns including aplurality of one-way guide blades having: a slide end configured toallow the one-way rotation; and a stop end configured to restrictmovement opposite the one-way rotation.
 10. The shoe sole of claim 9,wherein each of said one-way guide blades having a radius of curvatureapproximately equal to a distance from a center of said rotation pointpattern.
 11. The shoe sole of claim 9, wherein: said slide end includinga rounded or angled portion and said stop end including a blunt or sharpportion; each of said one-way guide blades including a substantiallyV-shaped top portion; and/or each of said one-way rotation patternsincluding a plurality of rows of one-way guide blades, where each ofsaid one-way guide blades from one row are offset from each of theone-way guide blades of adjoining rows, wherein each of said rows ofone-way guide blades including at least two one-way guide blades. 12.The shoe sole of claim 9, wherein one of said one-way rotation patternsincluding a counter rotate spike, wherein said counter rotate spikebeing positioned off of an inner toe portion, having a substantiallysquare or trapezoidal cross-section, and having a height being shorterthan said one-way guide blades, whereby said counter rotate spike beingconfigured to: give traction extension during the counter rotate portionof the swing; and/or provide traction for walking.
 13. The shoe sole ofclaim 8 including a heel portion, a front portion, and a center portion,the shoe sole is convex.
 14. The shoe sole of claim 13, wherein saidpattern having: the rotation point pattern in the heel portion; and theat least one-way rotation pattern in the front portion; wherein, theshoe sole being for a front shoe of a golfer, whereby the front shoe mayrotate in one direction about the heel portion.
 15. The shoe sole ofclaim 13, wherein said pattern having: the rotation point pattern in thefront portion; and the at least one-way rotation pattern in the heelportion; wherein, the shoe sole being for a front shoe of a golfer,whereby the front shoe may rotate in one direction about the frontportion.
 16. The shoe sole of claim 13, wherein said pattern having: therotation point pattern in the center portion; a first one-way rotationpattern in the heel portion; and a second one-way rotation pattern inthe front portion; wherein, the shoe sole being for a front shoe of agolfer, whereby the front shoe may rotate in one direction about thecenter portion.
 17. A golf shoe with a sole having a pattern configuredfor one-way rotation comprising: the pattern having: a rotation pointpattern.
 18. The golf shoe of claim 17, wherein said rotation pointpattern including a center point tread, whereby the golf shoe isconfigured to rotate about said center point tread of the rotation pointpattern.
 19. The golf shoe of claim 17, wherein said pattern furtherhaving one or more one-way rotation patterns.
 20. The golf shoe of claim19, wherein each of said one-way rotation patterns including a pluralityof one-way guide blades, each guide blade having: a slide end configuredto allow the one-way rotation; a stop end configured to restrictmovement opposite the one-way rotation; and a radius of curvatureapproximately equal to a distance from a center of said rotation pointpattern.